True Ambassadors’ Tasty Tuesday: A Celebration of Jamaican Cuisine and Community

Ackee and Saltfish is a beloved Jamaican dish made with salted codfish and the national fruit, ackee. The ackee fruit, originally from West Africa, was introduced to Jamaica in the 18th century.

On March 4, 2025, True Ambassadors hosted a vibrant Tasty Tuesday session, where residents Fedrica, Linda, and Alice led the community in preparing Jamaica’s national dish, Ackee and Saltfish. This event was a resounding success, bringing everyone together through the joy of cooking and sharing a meal.

The Dish: Ackee and Saltfish

Ackee and Saltfish is a beloved Jamaican dish made with salted codfish and the national fruit, ackee. The ackee fruit, originally from West Africa, was introduced to Jamaica in the 18th century and has since become a staple in Jamaican cuisine. The dish is typically served for breakfast but can be enjoyed at any time of the day.

For the session, the residents used a traditional recipe that included soaking saltfish to remove excess salt, then sautéing it with onions, bell peppers, scotch bonnet peppers, and thyme. The ackee was added towards the end to preserve its delicate texture. Canned ackee is commonly used due to its convenience and availability.

Community Engagement

The event not only taught attendees how to prepare this iconic dish but also fostered a sense of community. Participants enjoyed the meal together, served with a wrap and fried ripe plantain, which were also prepared during the session. This communal dining experience reinforced the power of food to bring people together and create lasting bonds.

True Ambassadors ensured that everyone was included, providing options for vegetarians and those who cannot tolerate spicy food. This thoughtful approach allowed all attendees to participate and enjoy the experience.

Acknowledgments

True Ambassadors would like to extend their gratitude to Canada Life UK and Neighbourly for their invaluable support. Their contributions have enabled True Ambassadors to host such events, which are crucial in promoting community engagement and well-being. Canada Life UK’s partnership with Neighbourly helps connect businesses with local charities and community groups, facilitating meaningful community impact Canada Life launches volunteering programme

About True Ambassadors

True Ambassadors is an independent charitable organisation dedicated to empowering those facing adversity and enhancing community well-being. Through events like Tasty Tuesday, they continue to demonstrate their commitment to fostering inclusivity and supporting community members in leading healthy, connected lives.

For more information on Jamaican cuisine and recipes, you can visit Jamaican Foods and Recipes or Great British Chefs.

This event highlights the importance of community-focused initiatives in building stronger, more connected communities. True Ambassadors remains committed to organising such activities that celebrate cultural diversity and promote well-being.

This communal dining experience reinforced the power of food to bring people together and create lasting bonds.